Getting the Most Out of Your Health Insurance — End of Year Care

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— Submitted by Dr. Ronald Stahl, Chief Medical Officer, Maria Parham Health

Have you been putting off your annual doctor’s visit? Or perhaps even a needed screening or procedure? If you’ve been putting off care – whether it’s a recommended surgery, screening or simply your annual check-up – now’s the time to do it. Your health means everything. Taking care of it now is a great opportunity to really get the most out of your health insurance. If you’ve already met your deductible for 2021, your out-of-pocket expenses for care could be minimal – or even zero. Even more importantly, giving your health the attention it needs is also a great way to ensure you’re doing all you can to get and stay well – a priority that is more important than ever.

Annual check-ups and recommended health screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies give you and your provider the opportunity to catch any health issues before they become serious and help you stay on top of things like recommended immunizations. And staying on track with any procedures your provider recommends – whether it’s a hip or knee replacement, a hernia repair, wound care or a foot/ankle surgery – can help get you get back to fully enjoying the things you love and aid in avoiding any issues or complications that can arise from delaying care.

Don’t make your health wait. Take care of it now. Many health insurance plans make annual check-ups and age-specific preventive screenings available at little or no cost to you, and out-of-pocket expenses for procedures like the ones mentioned above could be minimal or nothing if you’ve already met your health insurance deductible for the year.

If your safety is a concern, please know that, at Maria Parham Health, your health means everything to us, too. We’re committed to creating a safe place for you to receive care. From enhanced cleaning to required masking in our facilities and more – we’re working hard to create a
place where you choose to come for healthcare.

Call 800.424.DOCS to make an appointment and take care of your health now.

(MPH is an advertising client of WIZS. This is not a paid ad.)

VGCC Logo

VGCC To Launch New Technology Platform To Support ‘Modern Learner’

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Vance-Granville Community College plans to launch a new technology platform for student services that school officials said will help students across the four campuses whether they are taking in-person classes, virtual classes or a combination of the two.

The school is partnering with software company ConexED,  whose technology is intended to promote student success, according to information from VGCC’s Chris LaRocca.

“ConexEd provides a unified student services platform, eliminating the need for multiple platforms and logins while reducing ‘roadblocks’ for students, so they can reach the appropriate college personnel,” according to the statement. Faculty and staff also will benefit from the new platform as they work with students to handle scheduling, reporting and other support services.

Dr. Levy Brown, vice president of learning, student engagement & success, said the partnership will aid VGCC’s efforts to connect with the “modern learner” and called the upgrade “a positive step that will help VGCC students achieve their goals.”

VGCC offers classes at four campuses, as well as online. ConexED will help all students, regardless of location, to, for example, schedule appointments and conduct meetings over video-conferencing.
“Enhancing technology for students has become even more important since the pandemic began, so we are excited to implement new solutions that can help VGCC students access a number of different resources, no matter where they are or how they’re attending classes,” said Dr. Ken Lewis, VGCC’s vice president of institutional research & technology.

Advising and registration for the college’s Spring 2022 semester are currently ongoing. For more information on enrolling at VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu and click on “Admissions.”

More than 210 educational institutions and 1,100 tutoring centers across 12 countries use ConexED. For more information, visit www.conexed.com.

NC MedAssist

OTC Medicine Giveaway Set For Dec. 17 At VGCC Franklin Campus

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N.C. MedAssist will be in Franklin County on Friday, Dec. 17 for a free medicine giveaway. Vaya Health is sponsoring the event, which will take place at the Franklin campus of Vance-Granville Community College, 8100 NC Hwy. 56 in Louisburg.

No appointment is required, according to information from Lisa Szabo, Mobile Free Pharmacy Events & Project Manager. Simply stop by between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to receive free over-the-counter (OTC) medications including cold, cough, flu medicine, pain relief, vitamins and children’s medicines.

Visit www.medassist.org/mobile to request specific medications that can be pre-ordered online and picked up on Dec. 17.

Persons who are not pre-registered can pick up a bag of medicine items while supplies last. Items also can be picked up for a friend or family member.

NC MedAssist is a nonprofit pharmacy providing access to prescription medications to qualified uninsured North Carolina residents. It also provides OTC medications at no charge to all through Mobile Free Pharmacy events or at our store location in Charlotte.

Visit www.medassist.org to learn more about this organization.

NCDHHS

New Program Can Help Eligible Households That Face Water Disconnection

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A new emergency program launched today (Dec. 1) to help low-income households afford water and wastewater services. The program, called Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is scheduled to run through September 2023 or until the funds are all used up. It is a federally funded program administered through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Households that have already had the water or wastewater services cut off or have received notice of being cut off because of past due bills may be eligible to apply for the one-time payment, which will be paid directly to the utility company, according to a press release.

Families that already receive assistance from federal programs such as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services are automatically eligible. Households that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021 also are automatically eligible. These households should contact the local Department of Social Services for more information.

There are certain eligibility criteria, according to the press release. A household must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen and have income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, have household services that are already disconnected, in danger of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill that they are responsible for paying.

If your water has been cut off, or if you have gotten a notice of disconnection, apply online at www.epass.nc.gov, apply in person at your local department of social services or by phone. In addition, a paper application is available at the website above and can be completed and dropped off or faxed to the department of social services.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, any household needing help paying its water bill can apply for help if they meet eligibility requirements.

Visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-household-water-assistance-program-lihwap to learn more.

Michael Easley, Jr. Sworn In As U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of NC

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Michael F. Easley, Jr. is the newest U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. His nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, 2021 and U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III administered the oath of office last week, according to a press statement.

 “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Eastern District of North Carolina as United States Attorney,” Easley said in the statement. “I am grateful to President Biden for this opportunity, and I want to thank Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for their strong support through the confirmation process.”

As U.S. Attorney, Easley is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties among the 44 easternmost counties of North Carolina. He oversees a staff of 119 employees, including 58 attorneys and 61 non-attorney support personnel.  The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics.  The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Easley was a partner in McGuire Woods LLP prior to his appointment and was a litigator focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts.  He represented businesses and individuals in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters over a wide range of topics, including criminal law, environmental, consumer protection, business torts, professional negligence, government contracting, as well as matters involving financial services and securities.

Easley also has advised clients facing inquiries by the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina Ethics Commission, and matters before other governmental regulatory bodies.

Born in Southport, Easley attended the University of North Carolina where he graduated with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

In addition to his work at McGuireWoods, Easley contributed time to various bar and community organizations.  He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of North Carolina.  He was also a member of the Criminal Justice Section Council and the Integration, Equity & Equal Justice Task Force of the North Carolina Bar Association. Mr. Easley also served as a mentor in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Success in Law School Mentoring Program.

TownTalk: Bishop Works To Help The Next Generation Of Law Enforcement Officers

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Brandon Bishop wants to make sure that the cadets in the basic law enforcement training classes he oversees understand some key concepts about what it means to be a police officer.

Bishop wants the officers-in-training to have the communication tools they need in order to avoid having to use a weapon or other means of force when they’re on duty.

As director of Basic Law Enforcement Training and Law Enforcement Training at Vance-Granville Community College, he brings the experience of almost two decades in uniform with the Henderson Police Department. He was a lieutenant for six years and he holds a degree in social work.

Bishop is implementing some of those “soft” skills into the BLET classes, including courses like “Duty to Intercede,” “Surviving Verbal Conflict,” and “Facilitating Mental Health Training.”

He described the program on Tuesday’s Town Talk with John C. Rose and said tomorrow’s law enforcement officers must be able to interact with citizens – it’s important to be able to talk to people, get to know them and understand them. Basic communication skills are a must-have to achieve the goal, he said.

Most folks who pursue law enforcement as a career are service-oriented people, he said. Helping people and helping to make a difference in their communities are just part of a profession that provides “the integrity and status they’re looking for,” Bishop said.

Obviously, police officers are charged with enforcing the law, but through effective communication, law enforcement officers also can help people make good choices.

(VGCC PHOTO) – VGCC Basic Law Enforcement Training Class 112 graduates included, in front (from left), Jose Angel Deleon and Jennifer Quick; and in back (from left), Reed Danehy, Kameron Gregory, Regina Andranowska and LeDrevion Richardson; not pictured: Kaleb Evans

“We try to get them to understand that we all need to get along,” Bishop said. “The best way to do that is to help each other through our problems. I try to teach our cadets that we’re more there to help people solve their problems than to solve them for them.”

It’s not all theory and lecture in the program, Bishop said. The cadets use a firearms simulator, which he describes as a giant, 3-D video game, that trains cadets and agency officers in the use of force options. It’s a way to reinforce what they’ve learned in the classroom about communication, which can de-escalate a situation before it gets out of hand. The goal is “to alleviate our use of force incidents and injury to officers and others they are dealing with,” Bishop said. It gives cadets a chance to see exactly what they may face on the street.

Similarly, a driver training simulator allows for cadets and experienced officers as well the chance to get initial training or a refresher on driving vehicles to avoid obstacles all the way to driving in pursuit or other emergency situations. “It’s as close to real-life situations as possible, without the inherent dangers,” Bishop said.

During his time with the Henderson department, he was primarily assigned to the patrol division. He also was a supervisor for the Street Crime unit and the interdiction team and spent 15 years on the department’s tactical team – a team he helped to create and on which he worked all positions, including team commander.

And now, he’s helping guide cadets and prepare the next generation of law enforcement officers to deal effectively with the communities they will serve and protect.

“It’s a challenging career, but it’s a rewarding career,” he said.

The next class is scheduled to begin Jan. 18, 2022 and will wrap up in mid-May. Interested in learning more? Contact Bishop at bishopb@vgcc.edu or phone 919.738.3263. Visit www.vgcc.edu to see more about the BLET program.

Click Play to Hear More

NC Coop Extension

Tobacco Growers Vote Nov. 18 On Whether To Continue Check-off Program To Fund Research

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Update 11-19-21

Paul McKenzie, agriculture agent for Vance and Warren counties, said the results will be available the week of Nov.22.

••••••••••••••

Area tobacco growers join others across the state this week to vote whether to continue a self-assessment of 10 cents per 100 pounds of flue-cured and burley tobacco sold to support tobacco research and education.

The vote will take place on Nov. 18, and Paul McKenzie, agriculture agent for Vance and Warren counties, said a two-thirds vote in the affirmative will mean that the check-off program will be good until 2027.

The check-off program started in 1991 and allocates more than $200,000 annually to tobacco-related research and extension projects at N.C. State University. State law requires a referendum be held every six years.

“This referendum is important to the future of tobacco production in North Carolina,” said Sonia Murphy, president of the N.C. Agricultural Foundation and state check-off coordinator. “Federal funding for tobacco research ceased in 1994, and state support has declined in recent years due to state budget reductions.

“I encourage tobacco growers to vote on this important check-off,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “A two-thirds majority of votes is needed to pass the assessment, so be sure to cast your vote.”

Funds from the check-off are allocated by the N.C. Tobacco Research Commission, whose membership includes the Commissioner of Agriculture, the N.C. Farm Bureau Federation president, the N.C. State Grange president, the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina president and the chairman of the N.C. Tobacco Foundation.

Ballots will be available for tobacco growers at county extension offices on Nov. 18.  Contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension office for specific information regarding polling locations and times.

Vance County Extension – 252.438.8188.

Granville County Extension – 919.603.1350

Warren County Extension – 252.257.3640

Franklin County Extension – 919.496.3344

TownTalk: Louisburg College Oral History Project Tells Students’ Stories

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Louisburg College alumni have an opportunity to record their favorite memories of their days on campus as part of an oral history project underway now.

So far, the college has received close to 600 entries, and Alitha Palich tells alums there’s still time to send in submissions.

Palich is vice president of institutional advancement at Louisburg College and works with donors and alums. She and her team are coordinating the project with a company that specializes in oral history projects.

She told Bill Harris Thursday on Town Talk that they kicked off the project in September and hope to have the final publication available in September 2022.

The two-year college enjoys a long history in the area, dating back to 1787. The majority of students come from Franklin and nearby counties in North Carolina and Virginia.

“My favorite thing to do is hear their stories,” Palich said. She said she listens to alumni reminisce about their time on campus and recall lasting friendships made while students there.

“We’re a small college – that’s part of our charm.” Small college equals small staff, but it also means that students get the chance for more individualized attention from faculty and instructors.

Although the alumni stories span decades, Palich said common themes of special coaches or teachers have emerged in the stories submitted thus far.

And Fried Chicken Thursday.

Palich said she didn’t truly understand just how long the tradition of “Fried Chicken Thursday” had been around until she heard alum after alum recall fondly the weekly cafeteria treat.

“It’s one of the things they mention quite often,” she said. “Most people have a story about that – it’s funny to me that (it) popped up so many times, but it was quite the tradition on campus.”

The plan is to collect stories for a few more months and then begin the process of transcription. Alums may submit photos as well, Palich said. The book that will be created will probably be pretty hefty, and she hopes to get 700 submissions or more. The book will be available for purchase to alumni only; there is no obligation to purchase a book for those alumni who do submit stories. There will be a digital format available as well, she said.

One of the oldest alums to submit his story is a gentleman in his 90s who would have attended Louisburg College in the late 1940’s, she said.

Palich noted that the oral history project is a way for the school to collect stories and share them with others. “We want what their best memories are, their funniest stories…what changed their life,” she said.

In addition to preserving the school’s history through stories for others to read and enjoy now and in the future, Palich said the project also helps to bring up some school pride and strengthen the bond between different years and classes.

Call Palich at 919.496.2521 to learn how to submit stories for the project.

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Offers COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics For Children

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Franklin County parents have several opportunities to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 in the next few weeks, and Health Director Scott S. Lavigne announced that the health department will be open extended hours so children don’t have to miss school and parents don’t have to miss work.

Vaccinations for children between 5-11 years old are available now, and extended hours will be offered tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 10) and Wednesday, Nov. 17, according to a press statement from Lavigne. The two “after-school/after-work” clinics will offer appointments from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for children to get the Pfizer vaccine.

In addition, the health department will take advantage of the pre-Thanksgiving holiday for students on Wednesday, Nov. 24 and offer an all-day clinic for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Visit www.franklincountync.us/covid to schedule an appointment.

Parents can sign up for the  “Safe for the Holidays” vaccination event on Nov. 24 throughout the day, Lavigne said. A parent must accompany the child for the vaccination at the health department in Louisburg.

“The same Pfizer Vaccine that’s helped hundreds of Franklin County youth ages 12 to 17 avoid getting COVID, is now available in a lower pediatric dose that has been shown to be safe and effective for kids ages 5 to 11. It’s a great way to get kids ready to safely see their family and friends as the holidays approach,” Lavigne said. “If you bring your child to one of these events, and get a follow-up vaccine three-weeks later, your child could be fully vaccinated (and protected) by the holidays and before the New Year begins!”

Send questions about COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 to covidvax@franklincountync.us or call 919.496.8113.

NCDHHS Info Session About Ages 5-11 Covid Vaccine

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Update 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov 9 — If you did not get to listen live, it is still possible to watch it on social media.  The NCDHHS social media feed of the event is embedded here.

— press release from NCDHHS Monday, November 8, 2021

NCDHHS to Host Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11 on Nov. 9

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the safety and effectiveness of the recently approved Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5–11.

NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D, will host the event and will be joined by pediatrician Rasheeda Monroe, M.D. Dr. Monroe currently serves as the Medical Director of Primary Care Pediatrics at WakeMed. She is also the Raleigh area Campus Director of the UNC School of Medicine and the Director to the Kenan Urban Scholars program at the UNC School of Medicine.

Molly Grantham — WBTV news anchor, author, speaker and mom of three children — will moderate the conversation.

The fireside chat will livestream from both the NCDHHS and WBTV social media accounts and will also include a tele-town hall feature. Households will be invited by phone to listen in and submit questions to help ensure everyone interested can participate. People can also dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext.76807#.

This event comes as the FDA recently authorized and the CDC now recommends a lower-dose Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5–11. Children are vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus just like everyone else, and the vaccine provides a safe, tested way to help keep them healthy.

To date, more than 69% of teens between the ages of 12 and 17, and 71% of adults, have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Watch the livestreams on NCDHHS social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

NCDHHS fireside chats and tele-town halls are part of the state’s ongoing public engagement to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure equitable access to timely information, resources and COVID-19 vaccines.